Ask HN: Best non-technical book you've read lately? • Hacker News Board

Re: Ask HN: Best non-technical book you've read lately?

#21

Post by darnton » Thu, Mar 01, 2012, 3:40 AM UTC

The Box: How The Shipping Container Made The World Smaller And The World Economy Bigger - Marc Levinson.

There are so many facets to this book. It's the story of Malcom McLean's drive to make containerisation a reality. It's a history of the global economy since WWII. It goes into detail about labour relations on the docks and about how changes in shipping change the fortunes of cities.

One stand out chapter details the logistics of getting military materiel into Vietnam before and after containerisation and then McLean's idea that there was no point bringing all those empty boxes back - might as well stop off at Japan and pick up some transistor radios.

This book is well worth your time.

Re: Ask HN: Best non-technical book you've read lately?

#22

Post by thejteam » Thu, Mar 01, 2012, 4:37 AM UTC

_sjs wrote: post #14

Ever heard of The Dark Tower series, by Stephen King? I actually started it about 6 years ago, but recently picked up The Wolves of Calla (the fifth book). The Gunslinger (first in the series) is awesome.

Agree that The Gunslinger is awesome. Just to forewarn... you've already read the best books in the series.

Re: Ask HN: Best non-technical book you've read lately?

#23

Post by thejteam » Thu, Mar 01, 2012, 4:38 AM UTC

Tcepsa wrote: post #13

"The Hunger Games" and "Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins. Am now waiting my turn for the library's copy of "Mockingjay"

All three of these are excellent. Loved them.

Re: Ask HN: Best non-technical book you've read lately?

#24

Post by thejteam » Thu, Mar 01, 2012, 4:40 AM UTC

ajdecon wrote: post #18

Finally got around to reading Anathem by Neil Stephenson. Amazing book. The thing I love about Stephenson's writing is that not only am I entertained, not only do I learn something... but that the process of understanding the story actually teaches me new ways to think .

If I had to pick a personal favorite(not necessarily best) book of all time, it would be Anathem.

Re: Ask HN: Best non-technical book you've read lately?

#25

Post by KoryFerbet » Mon, Mar 05, 2012, 4:14 PM UTC

aorshan wrote: post #16

KoryFerbet wrote: post #11

I've been reading "Catch 22" by Joseph Heller and have been amazed by how hilarious it is. Also recently finished "Life" by Keith Richards which was also very entertaining.

Major Major Major Major is one of my favorite literary characters. I definitely recommend catch 22 as a good read.

The fact that someone's name is Major Major Major Major just shows the pure brilliance of this book. I feel like I'm going to have to read through it a second time shortly after finishing it.